Key Features

Description

This spacious detached family house, comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated in a New England seaside style has a sunny decked terrace looking out to the sea and is located in the heart of the former fishing village of Hope Cove, just a short stroll from the sandy beach. Most of the rooms enjoy lovely coastal and sea views and the owners have managed to cater for almost every holiday need. This popular seaside destination boasts two superb sandy beaches, a village inn, restaurants and a Post Office stores. Rockcliffe also has an enclosed garden, parking for 3 to 4 cars with room for a boat trailer, enabling guests to bring their own boat. Couple all this with superb coastal walks and exquisite scenery, add easy access to the many other attractions of the beautiful South Hams and you can see why Rockcliffe provides an ideal location for a self-catering family holiday.

First impressions weren't good by the state and age of the front door plus on entry the property was cold.
General cleanliness was disappointing and wasn't up to the general standard which we would have expected in a holiday rental e.g paintwork around doors and balustrades were grimy, cooker hood was greasy and grimy and light bulb blown, kitchen light bulb shades were also greasy, double oven wasn't clean and seal was falling off in places, dog odour apparent, dog nose prints all over french windows/doors - I am aware it was a dog friendly property but these could have been cleaned off.
The property was let down by the following: missing light bulbs, blown light bulbs, missing curtain hooks, fixtures and fittings were loose in bathroom downstairs, windows were misty and un-openable as per a sticker on one. There was no particular order in the kitchen cupboards with cooking and serving crockery.
General decor in the lounge was very good and bedrooms was nice but the bathroom/en-suite fixtures and fittings are tired and old and need refurbishing.
Bedding was clean and beds were comfortable.
Would I book this property again - probably not.

May 2016

We had another amazing week in Hope Cove, it is a fantastic spot with small children and the house so close to the beach meant it is a very welcome break from the car.

September 2014

The service from Toad Hall cottages was superb throughout, especially considering a last minute change of plans. It is a real shame the house is up for sale, the location and facilities were excellent and I would definitely have stayed again had it been an option.

July 2014

A fantastic place for our holiday with 3 children under 5. So convenient for shops, pub, cream teas and ice-cream, we hardly wanted or needed to leave the village!

September 2013

Extremely comfortable, homely house.

August 2013

This is a lovely property in a lovely location. however it could do with a lot of TLC.

July 2013

This is the second time we have stayed at Rockcliffe, and we enjoyed our holiday very much thank you.

The Hope & Anchor
(Less than a mile)

Central to the village and just steps from the beach, this is a warm and welcoming pub with characterful interiors and a spacious outside terrace. Friendly staff serve hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners using fresh local ingredients as well as a range of coffees, local ales and other drinks.

Great pub! Massive improvement on the last time we came before the renovation. On sunny days we say out on the balcony looking out to sea, then when it rained we cosied up inside. The place is huge and the food was really good too. We ended up in there almost every day!

December 2016

Lovely food and family friendly.

December 2016

Are here twice great food, daily fish of the day was lovely, we didn't book but the staff accommodated us and were lovely and chatty. Dogs made very welcome too

May 2017

A very welcoming place with good food and very pleasant staff

April 2017

Excellent, very kid friendly and great food.

May 2017

Great pub with amazing food- fishfinger bun and chips delicious and lots of other more grown up fish dishes to choose from. Happy, fun staff and super atmosphere. Nicely buzzing every time we went there . Ping pong table ,too !

May 2017

Lovely location and wide menu choices. Food was great and service good.

May 2017

Superb location with sea views from the upstairs dining room and terrace. A quality varied menu and the seafood was excellent.

May 2017

Great local pub when you are staying in Hope Cove. Really friendly and welcoming staff who are well presented and very helpful. Menu varied and all the food we ate, was very well cooked and tasty.

Lovely food and staff. Very dog friendly too. Most welcoming...we went back twice. Thank you

July 2017

Very busy. Great staff. Cod and chips, delicious and very reasonably priced.

July 2017

Every time we visit hope cove,we come here.The food is 5 star,had seabass and mackerel on 2 separate visits.taste amazing.The service from the staff,both on food and bar was first class,nothing was to much trouble,also rattleys cider is on draught,just perfect.

July 2017

Had a superb breakfast before a horrible drive home so very friendly and helpful. Would certainly recommend to all

July 2017

Very friendly and efficient staff who made us feel welcome with the dog. The food was served very quickly and was very tasty!

Love this place. Great music, open fire, really good food. Always a good vibe in there, friendly staff and good service. Lovely range of drinks too! Such a good addition to the village.

January 2017

Just had an amazing week in Hope Cove with incredible weather and ate here on two occasions. Both equally enjoyable. Cosy atmosphere, log fire, friendly staff , great food and dogs welcome! Loved it!! Thank you

A great atmosphere , super ,friendly staff and lovely food - vegetarian breakfast was the best !

May 2017

We ordered 3 cream teas, for 3 adults and a toddler........ maybe we should have ordered 2 and shared, there was so much. The scones were amazing and the coffee was spot on. Do go inside to order tho as I stood at the hatch for 10mins and was ignored.

June 2017

Went there for a meal for 4 adults and one child. Food was terrific the kiddies meal was devoured rapidly by the little one. Good price and very welcoming although rather chummy inside

Great little place, very busy. The food was very nice and the service was excellent.

July 2017

Great to see the upstairs now open and thriving. Shelly, Toby and the team always give us a great welcome, and remember the kids names and (ice cream) preferences too, which is a much appreciated addition to the great food, service, sports n music nights. A must for us!!

August 2017

We visited a few times and thought it was the best place to eat in the Cove!! Would definitely recommend it!

August 2017

Had a great Gluten Free meal with great service but get there early its a very popular place

August 2017

Visited on 17/08/2017 evening - we were told there would be a wait for food however it was much longer than initially mentioned - when our food came it was cold - we complained - the lady manager did apologise - and made us food to take away. Also not paying for the food. Appreciated that this was done - however they really need perhaps to look at capacity of food orders the kitchen can deal with.

August 2017

Excellent pub. Welcoming staff and superb food and beer selection. Loved this little gem of a place

September 2017

Unable to recommend this. Food rather poor . Its on the cheap side but you get what you pay for.

The Beach House
(Less than a mile)

Fantastic beach café by day transforming into a romantic beach shack style seafood restaurant by night, and well worth a visit. Booking is essential for the evenings when delicious seafood dishes are produced from a tiny kitchen. A more limited menu as well as ice creams, coffees and snacks are available during the day.

Great place. Have visited in winter and summer and think I might even prefer it on a blustery winters day. The food is great and good right next to you, which does make it a little bit smelly but it's all part of the experience. The building is really unique and has an amazing location right by the beach. Summer gets a bit crazy and we found ourselves queuing a lot for the takeout food which was a bit over priced.

December 2016

All aboout the location. Lovekly fresh seafood :D

December 2016

Amazing food and great service.

December 2016

This is my favourite place to eat fish in England. Simple, delicious, friendly, atmospheric. A must.

March 2017

fantastic Supper and sunset view - what a wonderful find - will re-visit

April 2017

Very good but pricey and not the best service. No kids menu at breakfast, they expect children to have a £9 fry up which isn't great for our 6 and 8-year-old. We also asked for poached eggs rather than fried and they didn't do this.

May 2017

Wonderful location and great food, but the prices are expensive as you're paying for its premium site. Also very small inside area so you need to book if you want to sit undercover.

May 2017

Rather expensive during the day but captive audience as no other option in the area

July 2017

Excellent fish food/snacks served by happy helpful people and just next to a great beach. It can get very very busy.

July 2017

Great place to eat on a sunny day food is of high quality and the atmosphere is fab

We visited The Beach House on our last evening of the holiday. The only complaint is we didn't visit sooner! What wonderful welcoming staff and superb food. A cosy place right by the sea, cooking the most delicious food. I had the scallops for main and were the best I've eaten and perfectly cooked. Love this place.

September 2017

The Village Inn
(2 miles)

A popular 16th century inn complete with beams salvaged from Spanish Armada ships wrecked nearby and today enjoying stylish modern décor and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere . Plenty of comfortable seating areas inside and out, along with a menu offering freshly prepared meals and daily specials. Children and dogs welcome.

we've been coming to thurlestone for years and loved the new look pub this summer. The renovation is really nice and we had a great meal on our last night

December 2016

Lovely pub, good food.

January 2017

Great pub, gets busy so I'd advise booking a table if you want to eat and their Sunday lunches are great.

May 2017

Visited twice, lovely meals both times, friendly staff and good that we could take our dog with us.

May 2017

Excellent service provided by happy efficient staff. The food was super

May 2017

This was a very dissappointing experience the staff require some good professional training and food is poor quality.

June 2017

Quintessential pub! As a 3-generational family on holiday, we had a lot of fun here each evening. The pub is fine for families (childrens menu etc), but there isn't any outside space suitable for families.

June 2017

Incredible pub. The food is outstanding with a newly earned rosette. The staff were really friendly and a great atmosphere. Would 100% recommend it for families and romantic couples!!

July 2017

A very nice meal at quite a reasonable price. Really helpful to be able to take the dog in.....!

July 2017

Food was good but service was rushed

July 2017

Great pub, excellent service and food, we will be back as soon as possible!

July 2017

Good pub atmosphere, and excellent decor, good food but over priced and service slow

August 2017

We have visited Thurlestone many times staying also at the hotel which is excellent. However, the Pub has lost its way somewhere, the food this year in May we found not up to the previous high standard. Its basic 'pub grub' the staff certainly could do with training. Ok for a drink, but to eat, no keen, prefer the HOTEL

September 2017

Salcombe Shooting School
(2 miles)

Founded 20 years ago by Royal Marine Chris, and set in a valley in Bolberry, Salcombe Shooting School makes for the perfect location to simulate game shooting. They provide a variety of targets and a wonderful training ground for those wanting to hone their clay shooting skills. A fun and safe experience for all ages and levels, the school provides all safety equipment and offers individual lessons from £50 for an hour or two sharing for £80 for 90 minutes. They also offer air rifle sessions and cater for shooting parties which can be a wonderful way to spend birthdays, hen parties and stag dos in the South West.

Thurlestone Golf Club
(2 miles)

On the coast with spectacular views of the sea, Thurlestone Golf Club can be seen from the beach and is fortunate enough to be on a beautiful section of the South West Coast Path. The 18-hole course is a mix of links and cliff top terrain and aims to cater to all ages and abilities with a variety of tees. All visitors are welcome and will be pleased to know that there are two bars on site as well as a separate dining room. Green fees vary according to the season but start at £36 per person in the low season. As with most golf courses, there is a dress code so golf shoes must be worn and denim isn’t allowed, but a full list or restrictions are listed on their main website.

Bantham Surfing Academy
(3 miles)

Operating from the car park at postcard perfect surfer’s paradise Bantham Beach, Bantham Surfing Academy is run by experienced SurfingGB qualified instructors who offer tuition and coaching for all levels, including beginners, as well as supervised surfing sessions and a Kids Club. In addition to surfing lessons, the team offer Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons, hire and tours around Burgh Island and the River Avon, and lifeguard and surf instructor tuition and qualifications. Prices start at £35 for a two-hour beginner lesson and equipment is available but remember to bring a towel, a swimming costume, and change for the car park which has charges in operation through the peak seasons.

Discovery Surf School at Bigbury-on-Sea
(3 miles)

Based at Bigbury-on-Sea and Challaborough Bay, Discovery Surf is a fun, friendly and professional environment where the team always have a smile and a word of encouragement to go with their expert tuition. Providing the opportunity to quite literally interact with South Devon’s primary asset - the environment - they offer lessons, courses and equipment hire, as well as Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking. Prices start at £20 an hour, just make sure you take a towel and swimming cossies with you and arrive 20 minutes before your lesson.

Had a great lesson with Discovery Surf. Two hours on the Sedgewell side of Bigbury Beach. All equipment provided, the guys really knew their stuff and we were on our feet in no time. Such a buzz, definitely recommend trying it out if you've not surfed before or want to build up your confidence in the sea.

December 2016

Excellent lesson in tough conditions on a windy down a Bigbury, really clear instruction, great place to srat and get in to surfing

December 2016

Bigbury Golf Club
(4 miles)

A friendly cliff top golf course close to Kingsbridge, Bigbury Golf Club is a links course with spectacular views of the South Devon coast. It is an 18-hole course where you can play as an individual or as part of a group. It’s 6,035 yards for men, 5,544 for ladies and par is 70 and 73 respectively. There’s a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, but remember that dress should be smart/casual at all times, and in the clubhouse they ask that you don’t wear golf shoes, hats, untailored shorts, general beach wear, collarless tee shirts and non-golf sportswear like tracksuits and rugby shirts. The club offers rates for groups of 6-14 and society golf days for numbers over 14. Green fees are seasonal and depend on the time of day that you’re visiting so keep an eye on the website for full details.

Hope Cove
(Less than a mile)

Hope Cove is the perfect name for this inspiringly beautiful little corner of the South Hams. Divided into two areas, Inner Hope and Outer Hope, both linked by a footpath and road, and each with their own respective beaches, Outer Hope is also home to the Hope and Anchor Pub and a collection of shops and cafes, while Inner Hope is a quieter more residential area.
At Outer Hope you will find Mouthwell Sands, a sandy cove scattered with pebbles and backed by rocky cliffs with a slipway and steps from the road down to the beach. It’s a popular spot with surfers, despite being a fairly small beach, and watching the sunset from here is a beautiful way to spend the evening. There is a car park by the beach where charges apply so make sure you have cash on you as you arrive, and dogs are permitted out of season with restrictions applying from 1st May until 30th September.
Meanwhile, Harbour Beach is a short stroll away and bridges the two villages of Inner and Outer Hope. It is a wide sandy beach that’s perfect for rock pooling and sand castle building, and there is a harbour wall that makes for spectacular crashing waves in the winter as well as a tempting spot from which to jump into the water in the summer at high tide. Just make sure you don’t jump in when the water is low as it’s too shallow. Harbour Beach is also an ideal spot from which to paddle board or kayak across the bay, with the really intrepid amongst us pottering all the way along the coast to Thurlestone and Burgh Island.
Finally, at Inner Hope itself there is a small sandy beach that’s accessible down a slipway. This is home to the old lifeboat station and is a quiet spot that marks a juncture along the coast path from Bolberry. Speaking of which, you can walk either way along the coast from Hope Cove, either towards South Milton Sands, Thurlestone and Bantham, or towards Salcombe. If you are making a day of it then why not start at the Winking Prawn at North Sands and stop at Hope Cove for lunch?

Absolutely love this place! Perfect for families, safe swimming and and lots of rock pools to explore. Our kids were down there every day. Can't wait to come back next year. Mrs Sutton

December 2016

Beautiful coves and pretty cottages

April 2017

A really pretty place with all you need fir a relaxing holiday, beautiful views and lovely coast walks

April 2017

Lovely and well worth a visit.

May 2017

Friendly , beautiful - everything you could want in a holiday spot - didn't matter what the weather was like ,plenty to do and see .

May 2017

A beautiful coastal village with two sandy beaches. The village centre has some pretty thatched cottages and there is a good choice of places to eat most with sea views. We ate most nights at the Hope and Anchor and they are dog friendly. We enjoyed walking along the coastal paths with fine views from both sides of the village. Hope Cove is a good base to explore South Devon with Salcombe, Kingsbridge and Totnes within easy reach.

May 2017

Breathtaking views, very quiet village, very peaceful.

June 2017

Fantastic place

July 2017

A really nice walk over the hill tops from Thurlestone, Hope Cove is pretty but a bit busier than other places we visited. Lovely views.

July 2017

Lovely location, beautiful beaches and some great places to eat!

August 2017

Well worth the walk along the coastal path,stunning views and 2 nice pubs for lunch

August 2017

South Milton Sands
(Less than a mile)

A long stretch of sand broken only by the South Milton Ley freshwater reed bed, South Milton Sands is a dramatic beach that’s exposed to the elements, making it something of a chameleon throughout the year. Rugged in its beauty, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun set at this beach behind an iconic rock archway in the water; it really is spectacular, particularly if you do so over dinner in the summer months from The Beach Café, a small but perfectly formed restaurant and café that’s perched just above the sand. If you want a table inside then you really do have to book this one, but if the weather is fine then eating outside is a joy. The beach is sandy and popular on windy days with kite surfers and windsurfers, but in calmer weather is perfect for a summer swim. Dogs are welcome at South Milton throughout the year, there’s a National Trust car park by the beach which costs from £5 for the day, £3 after 4pm or is free for National Trust members. There are also toilets nearby. It’s also worth knowing that in the summer months lifeguards are in situ from 6th July until 8th September, keeping everyone safe in the sun, sea and sand. When the weather is less conducive to sitting and admiring the view, South Milton is perfectly placed for a stroll along the coast path either towards Hope Cove and around towards Salcombe if you fancy making a day of it, or in the opposite direction you can walk towards Bantham and Bigbury on Sea. It’s a wonderful place to explore and watch Devon’s wildlife in all its glory.

Amazin beach - especially when the tide goes out and all the rock pools come out to play!!! Shame about the coarse 'sand', but that can't be helped; just get some shingle shoes. If you want sand go to North Sands or Bantham!

August 2017

Leas Foot Sands
(2 miles)

A small sandy beach belonging to Thurlestone Golf Club, those who have been on regular Devon weekend breaks and holidays will have seen this beach change somewhat in recent years thanks to storm damage, but the evolving landscape merely adds to its charm.
A 200-metre walk down a paved path from the golf club and its car park and you find yourself heading down a gentle slope onto the sand, with the option of enjoying the beach in its own right or walking along the coast in either direction towards Bantham or South Milton Sands.
Dogs are allowed here at any time, which of course adds to the appeal for walkers, and if you fancy stopping somewhere for lunch then Thurlestone village nearby is home to a charming pub that’s cryptically named The Village Inn, which is suitable for the whole family and wonderfully cosy in the winter months. Alternatively head to the Beachhouse café at South Milton for lunches and evenings meals with a view of the sunset, or cups of tea and brownies from the Gastrobus at Bantham.
It is one of the area’s quieter beaches, often acting as a place to wander past rather than one to spend the whole day on, but given its easy access and the proximity of the car park, and the golf club, it’s a delightful little spot in which to while away the afternoon.

Soar Mill Cove
(3 miles)

Nestled between the cliffs in the undulating Devon landscape, Soar Mill Cove is something of a hidden gem, and the kind of beach that would be well placed in a movie. An inlet below towering, black rocks, it’s small and only really accessible on foot.
The easiest way reach it by walking down from the Soar Mill Cove Hotel, where there is a car park, or if you’re making a day of your jaunt, why not stroll along the South West Coast Path from Bolberry or even from Salcombe?
The beach is a mix of sand and stone and has seen a fair amount of weathering in storms in recent along years, which has merely added to its character and charm. There are no facilities in the immediate vicinity unless you wander up to the hotel, although the Port Light Café is about a 25-minute walk away back towards Bolberry where there is also further parking.
Dogs are welcome throughout the year at Soar Mill Cove, and it’s definitely worth the effort to visit!

Bigbury on Sea
(4 miles)

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has visited that Bigbury on Sea is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for sand castles and rock pooling as well as tucking into lengthy summer picnics, it is an unusual beach to visit because the tide comes in from both sides. As a result, it is an endless source of fascination for children, not least for its sea tractor which provides transport from one end of the beach to the other in order to reach Burgh Island.
Burgh Island is connected to mainland England by the beach alone, it’s home to the famous art deco Burgh Island Hotel which has hosted Agatha Christie and Noel Coward since its incarnation in 1929, and has even made an appearance in the TV adaptation of Christie’s Poirot.
On a practical note there is on-site parking available close to the beach with daily charges from £3.50. Toilets and shower facilities with disabled access are also nearby, and lifeguards are present from May to September. The Venus café offers teas, coffees and other refreshments including the ice creams that are of such fundamental importance for a day at the beach. Meanwhile, dog lovers will be pleased to know that four legged friends are welcome at Bigbury on Sea, but restrictions apply from 1st May until 30th September.
Ultimately, Bigbury on Sea is a supremely beautiful location and fun family day out with abundant wildlife to enjoy and coastal footpaths to explore as well, making it a wonderful destination to visit on holiday in Devon, no matter what time of the year it is.

Fantastic unique place with sea both sides of the beach when the tide is out and Burgh Island to walk to with a lovely old pub but inefficient service.

April 2017

Rather run down and disappointing that visitors are made to feel rather unwanted with only a small section of the pub open to non-residents and the hotel off limits completely to non-residents. View from the top lovely, but I wouldn't drive miles and miles to visit. What attracted me was the parting of the sea and that was a lovely view

June 2017

Lovely place. Child friendly with fantastic views. Only downside is the dogs that are allowed on. It can get very busy in high season and the dogs can be a pain if running loose especially if you have got little ones. We have got a dog so it's not because we aren't dog lovers!